HARDEN'S 44th annual children's gala was a sizzling success.

Crowds turned out in force to watch the procession and packed into the memorial park for a huge range of attractions.

But organisers warn that the cost of staging the parade could mean that element is dropped next year.

"We had an excellent attendance along the procession route and at the gala – giving the village a real buzz," said committee member, Peter Bashforth.

"If – as seems possible – the financial cost of closing three roads for ten to 15 minutes a year proves to be prohibitive, and this turns out to be the last gala procession, it was a very good one to end with.

"We had an old bus and fire engine, amongst other attractions."

The procession set off on Saturday from Long Lane – led by the New Orleans Jazz Band – and made its way to the sun-soaked park, where the official opening was carried out by Gala Queen Ruby Alvey, helped by attendants Kirsty Dunwell and Abby Greenwood.

Entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon by the jazz band, the Central Dance Academy and a magician.

Children's races were held and other attractions included games, stalls, horse rides, a roundabout, bouncy castles, slides, a tea tent, tombola and raffle.

The Gala Queen and her retinue presented medals and rosettes to the winners of the races and fancy dress contest.

"All the attractions were very well supported," said Mr Bashforth.

"The committee would like thank everybody who helped in any way – the support is greatly appreciated.

"And a special thank-you goes to all who attended. The presence of so many people gives the committee the confidence and desire to continue organising the event.

"Make a date for next year – Saturday, June 16!"

Results were:

Flat races – U5 boys 1 Thomas Woods, 2 Josh Hardy, 3 Louis Joules; U5 girls 1 Georgiana Cora, 2 Chloe Dickson, 3 Rosie Drake; Year 5 boys 1 Max Rigby, 2 Toby Barker, 3 Charlie Heaton; Year 5 girls 1 Lily Bee, 2 Lilie Finch, 3 Marnie Bottomley; Year 6 boys 1 Harry Henderson, 2 Joshua Pullen, 3 Toby Salt; Year 6 girls 1 Holly Woods, 2 Eve Sampson, 3 Phoebe Preston; Year 7 boys 1 Joseph Hopton, 2 Charlie Thirkell, 3 Oliver Petty; Year 7 girls 1 Abigail Dunwell, 2 Poppy Joyce, 3 Millie Drake; Year 8 boys 1 Harry Croasdale, 2 Adam Thornton, 3 Cameron Connor; Year 8 girls 1 Faye Adamson, 2 Evelyn Gledhill, 3 Sophie Kershaw.

Potato and Spoon – boys 1 Harry Croasdale, 2 Marcus Aldred, 3 Charlie Earl; girls 1 Abigail Dunwell, 2 Evelyn Gledhill, 3 Matilda Cousins.

Wheelbarrow – boys 1 Charlie and Oliver Petty, 2 Jamie and Sandy Greenhorn, 3 Zack Sherriff and Fraser MacDonald; girls 1 Mya Hodgson and Maddy Jordan, 2 Annabelle Petit and Annabelle Kelleher, 3 Isabella Kaye and Isabell Skinner.

Three-legged – boys 1 Rowan and Sam Sheriff, 2 Jamie and Sandy Greenhorn, 3 Fraser MacDonald and Zack Sheriff; girls 1 Mya Hodgson and Maddy Jordan, 2 Isabella Blamires and Nell Toehill, 3 Sienna Kirk-Carber and Holly Butterfield.

Sack – U9 boys 1 Jamie Greenhorn, 2 Charlie Earl, 3 Oliver Petty; U9 girls 1 Abigail Dunwell, 2 Evelyn Gledhill, 3 Sophie Kershaw; 9-12 boys 1 Sandy Greenhorn, 2 Fraser MacDonald, 3 Charlie Petty; 9-12 girls 1 Annabelle Petit, 2 Isabella Blamires, 3 Holly Butterfield.

Caterpillar – girls Maddy Jordan, Mya Hodgson, Annabelle Kelleher, Annabelle Petit; boys Sam Sheriff, Rowan Sheriff, Jamie Greenhorn, Sandy Greenhorn. Caterpillar Cup was won by the boys.

Fancy dress – girls 1 Belle Harrison, 2 Elisabeth Starr, 3 Holly Woods; boys 1 Leo Reveley, 2 Kai Farrow, 3 Reuben Wedderburn.

Decorated bicycle, Sophie Kershaw; Decorated pram, Harriet Gerdes; Walking tableau 1 Harden Primary School, 2 Harden Pre-school; Float, Harden Players.